Malaysia plans to raise legal drinking age

Malaysia has revealed plans to raise the minimum age for alcohol consumption from 18 to 21 in a filing to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Malaysia plans to raise the minimum age for alcohol consumption from 18 to 21

The filing did not state when the change would be scheduled take place, but revealed it is part of a strategy to prevent underage drinking and limit alcohol accessibility to “high risk” groups.

In addition, the country also plans to implement additional labelling requirements for alcohol products that warn consumers of potential dangers to health.

Other members of the global trading body are expected to comment on the plans within the next 60 days.

According to the Confederation of Malaysian Brewers Berhad, alcohol is consumed by an estimated 3.5 million of the 30 million population.

Although Malaysia is predominantly Muslim, alcohol is said to be widely available.

The country already has one of Asia’s highest excise taxes on alcohol.